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EXERPT:
HEADING INTO OUR ULTIMATE END
BY GREG & STEPHANIE SCHLUETER
With so much happening in the world right now, with so much at stake, we took out the stops and went there. Discussing what matters most. And the importance of delivering timeless truths with stories. We also weave in some moving songs released by our son, a new recording artist for Sony/Provident, and one from Damascus Worship. Here is just an excerpt from the radio program.
Let's be honest here. Through baptism, we have been claimed for Christ. We spend our lives striving to remain consistent with that choice. Yet, in the smallest nuances of our daily existence, we sometimes reject Him in our thoughts. We reject Him in our feelings. And this dance plays out on a grand stage through politics. And what awaits us, discussed in so many private revelations, is an event called the "great illumination of conscience." In this event, we will see our souls as God sees them – a profound and sobering thought.
Imagine for a moment that we suddenly saw our souls from God's perspective. Where even the slightest rejection of God, the smallest acts of selfishness, lust, pride, or the use of our resources for self-serving ends would be seen in all their horror. These actions, choices, and failures to act separate us from God by our own free will.
However, the great illumination of conscience, though difficult, will be a gift of mercy. An opportunity for us to repent. Saints predict that many will return to the Church when it occurs. While it's not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, we know that we'll all face this moment one way or another – either when we die or when we truly see our souls as they are.
As we delve into the political season, it becomes clear that we need to engage and understand what's at stake. The greatest pursuit of the Enemy, the devil, is to destroy God's image in humanity. Since he can't do it directly, he seeks to influence us to reject our God-given identity, particularly our gender, as established in Genesis 1:27. God created us in His image as male and female, and this confusion is causing significant brokenness. Our role in this isn't to be self-righteous or indignant toward those struggling with these issues. Instead, we must have compassion and care for anyone experiencing confusion.
This struggle isn't merely personal but has become institutionalized, with one particular political party and aligned interests pushing to create gender confusion that inflicts much suffering. As adults, we're faced with a critical choice. Are we going to step up and be the protectors we once hoped adults would be when we were children? This is the overarching narrative we confront, especially with the upcoming election, where we can make a difference in defending the rights of the unborn, minors, parents, and families amidst life-altering decisions.
Along with many others who’ve said “yes” to seeking greater holiness, we now extend a heartfelt invitation to all families, all seekers of truth and grace, to partner with us at CatholicRevival.us. We are building a community where the Rosary is regarded as a powerful weapon, unity, a cherished treasure, and the triumph of God's grace, a reality.
In Christ's love,
Greg & Stephanie Schlueter
Mass Impact | Image Trinity
(814) 449-8808 | Greg@MassImpact.us
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| | | LIVE IT THIS WEEK: "SEVENTY-SEVEN TIMES"
September 11-17, 2023
A simple guide to help your family grow in holiness. (full version)
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GOSPEL | Matthew 18:21-35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
"Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive?
As many as seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.'
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
'Pay back what you owe.'
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
But he refused.
Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master
and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?'
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."
QUESTION:
What struck you in this reading? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
YOU IMAGE THE TRINITY: LIVE IT
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5) Something meaningful happening?
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EPISODE 390: HEADING INTO OUR ULTIMATE END (Impactful Stories & Songs About What Matters Most)
In this episode hosts Greg & Stephanie Schlueter take the gloves off in addressing what is most consequential in this moment in history, in light of our ultimate end, the purpose for which we were created. Prepare to be captivated by the profound impact of personal stories and songs on our faith journey, featuring new songs by their son, recording artist Seph Schlueter, and Damascus Worship. Delve into the rich world of Catholicism as the landscape of our existence, as the hosts discuss the importance of storytelling in conveying timeless values. From Jesus' use of relatable parables to the present-day challenge of defending faith, they explore the significance of narratives and songs in our spiritual lives. Join the conversation as they highlight the critical need for protecting souls and lives in today's world, setting the stage for a significant upcoming election.
LISTEN NOW! SHARE!
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| | | PREACH IT
On Sunday's Gospel (video)
with JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT
Today, we hear the message that if we don't forgive, we won't be forgiven. In this teaching, Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive, suggesting seven times – which might seem like a lot when we consider those who have wronged or offended us. But Jesus responds with "seventy times seven," indicating that whenever someone genuinely seeks forgiveness, we should grant it.
Forgiveness is akin to the rain that falls from heaven; it never stops. God is eternally forgiving and merciful. However, for us to access this forgiveness, we need to turn the cup around, to position it correctly to collect the grace that falls from God. Repentance is the key to activating forgiveness in our lives and the lives of others. We should offer forgiveness continuously.
It's important to note that forgiveness does not equate to condoning sin or confusing right and wrong, as often happens in our secular culture. Instead, forgiveness means looking at the person with love and continually inviting them back to a state of forgiveness. St. Francis taught that there is no person, no matter how deeply mired in sin, who shouldn't be called back to forgiveness just by looking into your eyes.
This is a significant responsibility. Are we capable of loving even the most hardened of sinners and calling them back without condoning their wrongdoing? It's a challenging task, but it doesn't mean we should excuse sin. Rather, it means we should always be ready to offer forgiveness while maintaining our moral clarity.
I pray that you can embrace the concept of forgiveness – seventy times seven times. Remember, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven. God has forgiven us countless times, and His love knows no bounds. I may not know you personally, but I love you all deeply. With God, all things are possible.
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